Truer words were never spoken — in reference to Chanel’s new Inimitable Intense Mascara in Purple ($30, part of the new Sophisticated Eye collection). The first time the wand graced the back of my hand and I got a good look at the swatch, I feared that the color of this brownish plum would be lost upon my dark fringe. But oh, how I wanted to believe!

The logical part of my brain said I shouldn’t expect much; it said I’d never be able to see the tint on my dark lashes, but the Coco-obsessed part of my brain kept telling me not to worry. “Trust in Coco, Karen. Everything will work out in the end.”

I wanted to believe — both that I’d see a rich purple on my lashes, and that I’d get the same lift and volume (at the base) that I get from the O.G. Inimitable Intense. I wanted my happily ever after, so to speak.
Well, I feel like I’ve given Purple a fair shake, and now it’s time for me to face facts. I’ve worn it a few times over the past week, and while I like like that doesn’t flake, smudge or lose its lift, even after a full 12 hours, the color just doesn’t show up on my already dark fringe.

I mean, maybe from a certain angle…in direct sunlight. Sort of? Okay, not really. For all intents and purposes, it looks like a basic black mascara.

I see you!

You never know until you try, right? I still like the lift, separation and volume it delivers from a single coat, so I’ll save a place for it in my hectic mornings routine, but its tint probably makes this mascara a better fit for blondes and light-haired brunettes than it is for me.

PRICE: $30AVAILABILITY: Available now at Chanel counters and also onlineMAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: B

Karen, you should check out Femme Couture’s lightning lash mascara at Sally Beauty supply – the bright electric blue shade actually shows up amazingly well on my black lashes and it’s a great lengthening mascara! There’s also a navy blue if you’re feeling more conservative, and other fun shades like black tinsel

I also have very dark lashes and have found the best purple mascara to be MAC’s limited edition “Wonder Woman” in Victorious Opulash. Not sure if it is still available but if you can get hold of one it will be worth it. The purple is quite vibrant, given a few coats. I’ve had lots of comments from people asking me if I am wearing purple mascara!

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